A QUESTION mark looms at the top for Warrington police as a senior officer leaves after onlytwo months.

Chief Superintendent Helen King is to cross the border to Merseyside, taking on the position of Assistant Chief Constable - making her the third officer to vacate the top position within six months.

The shock departure comes eight

weeks after Ch Supt King arrived at the helm of Warrington police following the restructuring of the Cheshire Constabulary in April.

She replaced Clive Pownell who retired two months into the role. She was expected to be a long-term successor in the position which will soon be filled by the fourth candidate since January.

At present the appointment is a temporary one.

She said: "I am sad to be leaving Warrington behind, particularly the team of police officers and police staff who continue to work hard, arrest offenders, reduce crime and make the area a safer place for everyone."

A successor is expected to be announced shortly.

l Don't miss the full story and reaction to the news in this Thursday's Guardian.